imagine gnats Bess Top: Shirred up

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you've probably noticed that my typical aesthetic is fitted at the waist. I love the fit and cute details of the Bess top, but I tend to wear it like this.

I'm wearing it here with my Vogue 2657 vest to cinch in the waist. It also looks fab belted, so I thought it would be fun to add some easy waist shaping with shirring. I'll show you how as well.

Here's how it looks! Just a few rows of shirring make a big difference, don't you think? And so easy to do!

Once you have completely finished your Bess top per the pattern. For this one I used the tunic version, but any of the three styles will work. I think the dress would look awesome shirred! Try on your top and pin a wide piece of elastic around your waist, then blouse your top so that you like the way it looks. I actually did this on my body, but put it on the dress form for pictures.

Now mark the top edge of your elastic, using whatever method you prefer. I used my handy dandy Frixion pen.

Next, lay the top flat on your work surface and even out your markings. Some will look too high or too low. You want an even line around your top. You can connect the markings if it is easier to sew a straight line that way.

Now shirr away! If you haven't done this before, you are missing some serious fun!! Check out this great tutorial from Make It & Love It to get you going. Start by shirring a line around your top where you marked and continue shirring even lines below your first one until you have the cinched in area as wide as you prefer. Be sure to do at least 3 lines, or it may not be elastic enough. I used five lines spaced 1/4 inch apart.

And you are done!! Put on your top and strut your stuff!

And if you still want to accessorize or belt your top, the shirring keeps it nicely in place, so you aren't tugging on your hem or blousing out your Bess top all day.

imagine gnats Bess Top

I was so thrilled when Rachael contacted me to test out her newest pattern, the Bess Top. I'd seen some of her early versions on Instagram, and I just love the fun construction of the yoke and pleat at the shoulder. I couldn't wait to try it myself!

And it did not disappoint! This was such a fun top to sew! And it works up really quickly.

The pattern comes in three lengths - top, tunic and dress. I made the tunic length, as I intend to wear it with leggings and skinny pants. There are also two neckline options - jewel and scoop. This is the scoop neckline. I love that there are so many options for personalization.

There is a subtle hi-lo hemline, with the back just a couple of inches longer than the front. I like that it isn't OTT, which I think would have looked quickly dated, but still hits the trend.

The yoke construction is my favorite part. The back wraps around to the front and forms a yoke and as well as the front sleeve. There is an inset corner where the yoke becomes the sleeve. The instructions for sewing this made it very easy to get a nice sharp corner. The shoulder pleat is a nice, graceful way to add some bust ease. In fact, I didn't even have to make an FBA. Pretty sweet!

Another feature I REALLY love is the pockets!! One of the reasons my leggings don't get worn much is the lack of pockets, and this tunic totally solves that problem! The pockets are inserted right at waist height into the side seam. I was worried they'd add bulk, but they don't and they are so convenient. My leggings are getting a new lease on life!

The fabric I used is a printed poly charmeuse from FabricMart. I wanted something with some drape, since the top is unfitted and I knew I'd be wearing it belted.

For the edge finishes on both neckline and hems, the pattern instructs you to use jersey strips as a facing which is topstitched down. This worked really nicely - much like a bias finish, but with less fuss. I used a poly lining jersey, also from FabricMart. It's quite shiny, so it looks good with the charmeuse.

All in all, I had a great time sewing up this pattern and I'm really enjoying wearing my new top. Hurry over to her shop and get your own!